AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #23
Fear Not
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
First, this verse and the verses around it are for Jesus’ disciples only. So, if you are not a follower of Jesus, if you do not claim to be saved by God’s grace through your faith in Jesus, you need not read any further. Stop here.
But, if you are a Christian, a true follower of Jesus and one of His disciples, then this is for you. Jesus is telling you to FEAR NOT!
The discourse of this verse actually begins in verse 17 of Matthew chapter 10 and goes through verse 31. In these verses Jesus is warning you of some terrible and frightening things which will happen to you. For example:
Men will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues
You will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father will betray his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
You will be hated by everyone because of My name
If they have called Me Beelzebul, then they will malign you
However, Jesus tells you not to fear. Their threat will be revealed for the lies they are. Jesus say nothing will be concealed. The truth will be revealed and made publicly known.
Jesus says to tell what He has told us in the broad daylight, to proclaim it upon the housetops.
We need not fear those who can murder our bodies because they are unable to kill our soul; But we should fear God, alone.
Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear is a natural response to danger and terror. Fear requires no effort.
But, Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ. We must listen, we must hear His Voice and we must obey it.
You have the ability to exercise either fear or faith. If you are a follower of Jesus, if your are His disciple, if you are a Christian, you really only have one choice.
So remember, “When evildoers came upon you to devour your flesh, your adversaries and enemies will stumble and fall.
“And, though a host encamp against you, your heart will not fear. Though war arise against you, you shall be confident.
“One thing you must ask from the LORD, and that you shall seek: That you may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of your life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.
“For in the day of trouble He will conceal you in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide you; He will lift you up on a rock.”
Hide these words in your heart. Memorize them. Speak them. For the day of battle is at hand and you shall not fear.
You are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it. It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy. And He shall be your fear, And He shall be your dread. Then He shall become a sanctuary – Isaiah 12:12-14
HOW MUST YOU DO IT? __________________________________________
HOW YOU MUST TEACH IT? __________________________________________
The Victory is ours, Says the Lord! FEAR NOT!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young